Month: January 2017

Broadjam Artist: Charlie Shock
Song: CRAZY FOR YOU

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: I guess it’s hard not to like the jangly guitars. Good vocals and arrangement. Big production.

Constructive Comments: Nice job overall. I would have liked to hear some sort of dramatic contrast somewhere in the song, but that is strictly a matter of taste.

Broadjam Artist: Nigel Barrett
Song: Tamara

Reviewer: Randal Dunkle

Positive Comments: Very smooth sound, I really like the bass guitar on the introduction and the drums as well. For some reason I think it sounds a little like Boz Skaggs.

Constructive Comments: Not a lot of negatives however, I think I hear a real good saxophone solo – best wishes!

Broadjam Artist: Uncle Spider & The Electric Dirt Clods
Song: Just One More Time / Country

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: I like the guitar tones.

Constructive Comments: This is drum-heavy and washed with a lot more delay/reverb than I would normally care to listen to. The melodies are okay, but nothing pops out at me as something I would spend any time listening to without some kind of destination, instead of the use of repetition.

Broadjam Artist: Mark S. Ludes (MSL)
Song: Growin’ Up

Reviewer: Jeff Maguire

Positive Comments: Clever rocking tune in traditional rock and roll style, a Little bit of Jerry Lee, a little bit of Bob Segar. Nice harmonies.

Constructive Comments: Instruments don’t really have traditional style , it’s a little bit like retro rock goes 80’s phase shifter with a digital piano . But that’s pretty understandable since it’s probably a one man show out of his home. Well played and engaging , fun tune to listen to. I suppose I’d try state the overall hook a little more obviously and a little sooner.

Broadjam Artist: Kitty Matkins
Song: Whispers In The Darkness

Reviewer: Riverside

Positive Comments: Good chord progression but the song sounds like a hit from the 70’s (not always a bad thing) Vocal is excellent but recording sounds a little rough unless it was meant to replicate a 70’s production.

Constructive Comments: Improve the recording quality of the opening bars, particularly piano. Pump it up a little more at the end. Vocal starts too compressed at the beginning but sounds better later on.

Broadjam Artist: Bob Higgs
Song: Nicolette

Reviewer: James Neilson Graham

Positive Comments: Not usually a fan of strumming, but this is committed, convincing playing with a good, consistent groove and some nice harmonic touches. The dissonances give the arrangement its distinctiveness. Best of all for me is the voice, strong, open and engaging the listener. This voice will surely go places (if it hasn’t already) . . .

Constructive Comments: Not sure if I quite understood all the lyrics but this is probably my failing.

Broadjam Artist: Chet Nichols
Song: The Love I Want To Show-Solo (Folk)

Reviewer: James Neilson Graham

Positive Comments: Melodically adventurous, soaring upwards, harmonically adventurous on occasion too with the odd nice juicy chordal progression. Skilful guitar playing, committed singing – the strain in the voice on the high notes is an integral part of the performance. I enjoyed this.

Constructive Comments: The words clearly heartfelt and, for my taste, just a little too direct . . .

Broadjam Artist: George Molden
Song: Rocking around the Christmas tree

Reviewer: Nigel Barrett

Positive Comments: Talk about a rehash! Grabbed my attention for sure and you certainly didn’t hold back. Some great key playing in their too! Plus that brass! Very commercial version! Bit like Stevie Wonder on Meth!

Constructive Comments: None to add. Stick with it!

Broadjam Artist: Denis Hackett
Song: Teardrops From The Sky

Reviewer: Nigel Barrett

Positive Comments: In places the voice is a dead ringer for Don Henley from The Eagles! Nice work, very professionally arranged and recorded with some great harmonies.

Constructive Comments: For me more pop than RnB Soul, although a reworking with a different soundscape could work well to achieve that. The Soprano sax almost takes it into a jazz vibe.

Broadjam Artist: Uncle Spider & The Electric Dirt Clods
Song: Scootin Boots / Country

Reviewer: Mark S. Ludes (MSL)

Positive Comments: song is flowing along but doesn’t really take us anywhere… so

Constructive Comments: I have to say it has potential but it needs to be woke up…shake it and make it move… maybe go back and add vocals, or at least bring in a more energetic solo instrument to make it come alive!